“I’d had a guitar-bouzouki built by Nigel for several years that I bought second-hand. It was one of my favorite instruments I’d ever played. My only issue was that it had four courses, and I generally play five-course instruments. Still, I fell in love with it, but eventually sold it to help fund a 10-string commission from Nigel.
I first started seeing Nigel’s work years ago. I would surf the internet all night sometimes, looking for anything I could find about these instruments. What stood out most was that he had been Stefan Sobell’s apprentice. I never had the chance to play one until my buddy Steve bought a Forster bouzouki second-hand. It was still one of the most beautiful instruments I’ve ever seen. Clearly in the Sobell tradition, but also making his own innovations — stylistically and sonically. I’ve been watching his work ever since.
“My Forster guizouk is my favorite right now. It has a crystalline clarity unlike anything I’ve ever owned or played. It works beautifully for backing my voice, but is also punchy enough to sit in with other musicians and be heard.”
For me, sound is king. It’s hard to describe exactly what I love in an instrument — I just know it when I play it. It needs to be punchy, with a rapid attack and crystal clarity. After years of experimenting and buying and selling many instruments, I’ve honed in on the builders who make the sound I love. My Forster guizouk is my favorite right now. It has a crystalline clarity unlike anything I’ve ever owned or played. It works beautifully for backing my voice, but is also punchy enough to sit in with other musicians and be heard. It’s a hybrid sound — guitar-shaped and leaning slightly that way — but it still sounds very much like a bouzouki to me, with a warmer yet powerful bass course.
That said, if Nigel were building ugly instruments, I wouldn’t be buying them. Aesthetics are the second most important thing, and as far as I’m concerned, his instruments are the most beautiful in the world. They speak to me personally, and he just gets better every year.
When my guitar-bouzouki arrived, I was ecstatic. I even made a video so I could relive the first moment I saw it. Three years of anticipation culminated in just a few minutes. Nothing really prepares you for that first glance, then the first strum.
I’ve now owned three of Nigel’s instruments. The one I have now is a dream instrument — I splurged on highly figured back and sides, plus options like a cutaway and microbevel. The craftsmanship is absolute top-notch. It’s stunning in every way and exceeded what I was hoping for. This is, without question, my favorite instrument right now. Usually I’ll have two or three tied for top spot, but this one stands out. I never get tired of looking at the wood we chose. I still get excited every time I pick it up. And it’s only opened up with time. I recently listened back to some early recordings and was blown away by how much better it sounds now.”
Marty said, ‘For me, sound is king’ — and his Forster guizouk delivered clarity, power, and balance beyond anything he’d played before. If tone is what matters most to you, maybe it’s time we talked about the sound you’re chasing.